In Perfect Game’s Northeast Conference 2023 Baseball Preview which was released today, Coppin State’s Jordan Hamberg was named the NEC Preseason Player of the Year. Hamberg was also selected to the Preseason All-NEC Team as a starting pitcher.
A junior two-way performer for the Eagles, Hamberg hit .347 with eight home runs and 34 RBI last season while leading the pitching staff with a 6-3 mark along with a school-record 87 strikeouts in 64.2 innings.
Hamberg was one of five finalists for the 2022 John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year after receiving MEAC Pitcher of the Year honors as well First Team All-Conference accolades at both starting pitcher and utility. He then went on to receive ABCA All-Region and NCBWA All-America honors, becoming the first CSU player to receive All-Region or All-America recognition.
Perfect Game also released its top prospects for the 2023-25 MLB Drafts with Hamberg coming at No. 2 for the 2023 Draft followed by relief pitchers Giovanni Canales (No. 8) and Rashad Ruff (No. 10). For the 2024 Draft, sophomore shortstop and 2022 MEAC Rookie of the Year Josh Hankins leads the group, and freshmen Keith Gardner (No. 2) and Angel Colon (No. 4) are listed for the 2025 Draft.
The Eagles return their entire starting infield and pitching rotation from last year’s historic season that featured the program’s first MEAC Championship since 1995 and first-ever NCAA Regional appearance. Along with Hamberg, Coppin brings back First Team All-MEAC selections Mike Dorcean (catcher), Sebastien Sarabia (first base), Corey Miley (second base) and MEAC Tournament MVP Brian Nicolas (third base).
Coppin opens the 2023 campaign with a three-game home series against Saint Peter’s on February 17-19, followed by a midweek against Mount St. Mary’s (Feb. 21). The Eagles then head West to take on 18th-ranked (Baseball America) Oregon State, who hosted an NCAA Regional and reached the NCAA Super Regional, on February 24-26.
Making its debut season as an associate member of the NEC, CSU hosts Wagner for its conference opener on March 10-12.